Melanie Bone, MD
Florida Atlantic University
Co-Authors: Andrew Luck1, Robert Speth2, Gabriel Spandau3, Carlton Bone4
1Florida Atlantic University, 2Nova Southeastern University, 3Tennessee State University, 4Portland State University
Background: As Florida’s medical marijuana program continues to grow, ensuring the safety and efficacy of cannabis products remains a critical concern. Although state regulations mandate testing for contaminants and potency, little is known about physicians’ knowledge of potential contamination or how effectively they educate patients on product quality, contamination and adulteration risks, as well as medical cannabis physicians perspective on medical cannabis program policies.
Objectives: This study aims to assess Florida medical marijuana physicians’ knowledge of contamination, physicians patient communication strategies, awareness and knowledge of cannabis testing outputs like Certificates of Analysis (COA), and perspectives on policies that may contribute to patients experiencing medical cannabis product contamination. It also explores how physicians educate patients about potential contamination, and what kind of educational resources physicians would like to improve their knowledge on possible medical cannabis contaminants.
Methods: A cross-sectional survey was developed through collaborative dialogue with Florida based physicians while respondents were recruited through direct solicitation and snowballing samples in collaboration with the Florida Medical Cannabis Physicians Group (FMCPG). Data collection is currently underway targeting licensed medical marijuana physicians in Florida.
Results: Preliminary responses indicate that most physicians feel confident educating patients about cannabis contamination but lack formal training on specific contaminants. Information about contamination is primarily acquired through professional networks, continuing medical education, and conferences. Physicians generally believe that state agencies and licensed cannabis operators bear more responsibility for protecting patients from contaminated products than they do. Many participants support policy reforms such as increased state oversight of dispensaries, allowing patients to inspect products prior to purchase, and implementing secret shopper programs.
Despite acknowledging the importance of patient education, over half of respondents report either not discussing contamination at all or only doing so when prompted by the patient. When contamination is addressed, communication is typically verbal during consultations or through referral to online resources. Key barriers to patient education include time constraints during appointments and patients’ limited understanding of cannabis science. Nearly half of the physicians who responded to a question about needed resources recommended state-produced educational tools such as videos, fact sheets, online lectures, or standardized materials.
Conclusion: These findings highlight a gap between physician knowledge, patient education, and regulatory standards. Results from this study will support the development of educational materials to better equip physicians in addressing contamination risks, ultimately improving patient safety and the effective use of medical cannabis in Florida.